Abstract

Background : The production of skipjack tuna in Bitung can be increased with more efficient and effective catching methods. The knowledge about fishing season will be followed by focusing catching operation.

Methods : Study on fishing season for skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis, was described in the waters adjacent to Bitung North Sulawesi. The data was used based upon the catch and fishing trip monthly by pole and line in Fish Landing Place (TPI) Aertembaga Bitung and TPI Manado over the periods 1994 to 2004. The analysis for fishing season using The Average Percentage Methods.

Result : The result showed that the skipjack tuna can be caught throughout the year. The fishing season for skipjack tuna occurred during January to April, June, July, and September, while May, August, and October to December are not fishing season.